Protest With Nazi Flag Is "Unacceptable and Disgusting": Rhode Island Gov.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee responded to footage of protesters displaying a Nazi flag, saying that it was "unacceptable and disgusting."

The state leader's comments come shortly after a video surfaced on social media showing a group of demonstrators gathering outside of a local library in Providence with a flag containing a swastika Monday evening.

"There is no place for hate in our communities or state. The video showing a group waving Nazi flags last night in PVD is unacceptable and disgusting. I stand with those condemning last night's acts. If you have information related to this incident, please contact @ProvidenceRIPD," McKee tweeted Tuesday.

According to WJAR, the protesters displayed the flag outside of the Red Ink Community Library during a reading of The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

In a live stream video posted to Facebook by the library, individuals can be heard reading the book to others. Towards the end of the live stream, the protesters can be heard banging on the windows of the library.

"Sorry, the reading is attempted to be interrupted by fascists," the Red Ink Community Library wrote in a comment on the live stream.

In a video posted to Twitter by user Alexander Herbert, the protesters can be heard chanting "white power," while others can be seen making the Nazi salute. One of the protesters appears to be holding the Nazi flag.

"America 2022, at my community library's reading of the Communist Manifesto for international red book day," the tweet read.

The Providence Police Department said that officers received news that "groups of Neo Nazis were proceeding to the Red Ink Community Library to interrupt the individuals who were inside attending a reading."

"Upon arrival we observed approximately 15-20 subjects (from the Neo Nazi group) standing outside and striking the front window of the Red Ink Community Library with their hands," the police report said. "As soon as all of the District 8 and 9 cars arrived on scene with the overhead emergency lights on, the Neo Nazi crowd began to disperse."

Police said that there was no observed damage to the building and no arrests were made following the incident.

"Nazis attacked a book reading tonight in providence," Twitter user guateguanaco wrote in another video of the incident.

In addition to McKee, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza issued a statement following the incident, saying: "Providence is home to diverse people, cultures, and ideas and our city has no room for hate-filled actions meant to intimidate and cause fear."

The statement continued: "My administration is committed to making every resident feel safe and protecting the rights of people who are gathering peacefully. Anyone with information regarding the incident last night involving a swastika flag is encouraged to contact our police department."

Newsweek reached out to the Providence Police Department for further information but did not receive a response in time for publication.